What Is Dog STD? What are the Symptoms and How Do I Prevent?
Dogs can acquire sexually transmitted diseases from mate partners that have them. Before allowing dogs to mate, it is best to check if they have STDs to prevent infections from transmitting to the other dog and to prevent miscarriage during pregnancy.
***Canine Brucellosis. This sexually transmitted disease is a bacterial infection ca...used by Brucella canis. This bacterium is transmitted through mating, urine, dead fetuses and through vaginal or seminal fluids. The bacterium can live in the vaginal and uterine tissue in bitches. A female dog may look healthy, but she can be a carrier. Male dogs may have uneven testicles. The bacterial infection can cause miscarriage and result to infertility in both male and female dogs. Humans should be extra cautious in handling dead fetuses and vaginal fluids since Brucella canis can be transmitted to humans.
***Canine Herpesvirus (CHV). This is a viral infection that can be spread through vaginal and penile secretions, and through nose discharges. It can infect the reproductive tract and unborn puppies can acquire them. Female dogs infected with this virus can have miscarriages, still births, and may never get pregnant again. CHV may also cause hemorrhages in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, liver and kidneys of infected dogs.
***Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumors (CTVT). This sexually transmitted disease can result to wart-like tumors found in the vagina and penile areas of infected dogs. This can be spread through bodily fluids. Although this not life-threatening, the tumors can easily and rapidly spread in different areas of the body.
Do not breed infected dogs.
Testing the dogs if they have STDs prior to breeding can prevent STD from spreading. It is best to spay and neuter infected dogs to prevent accidental breeding.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics can be given to dogs infected with Brucella canis. The antibiotics can decrease bacterial count, but these cannot totally eliminate the bacterium.
**Vaccination. There is a vaccine for Canine Herpesvirus that can be given to bitches in heat and one to weeks after whelping.
**Disinfection and sanitation. Keeping the dog area clean can kill most viruses and bacteria. The virus causing CHV can easily be killed by disinfection and high temperatures.
**Injectable antibodies. Injectable antibodies can help puppies infected with CHV survive.
**Chemotherapy. This therapy is best in treating CTVT. Surgical removal of tumors may not work because of the location of some tumors.
**Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may be used when chemotherapy did not work in treating CTVT.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Food Allergies: The Natural Approach
Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M., M.S.
Food allergies are simply defined as an allergic reaction caused by the ingestion of particular food substances. Food allergies can be a significant cause of a wide range of symptoms in both people and animals. Some experts estimate that at least 60% of Americans suffer from negative reactions to foods or chem...icals on foods. Veterinary experts estimate that 5% of all skin disease and 10- 15% of all allergic skin disease in dogs and cats may be caused by food hypersensitivity. It appears to be the second most common cause of pruritic (itchy skin) skin disease in cats and the third most common cause in dogs according to Dr.’s Tilley and Smith in “The Five Minute Veterinary Consult”. Along with food allergies, one has to also consider allergic reactions to medications such as medications for heartworm prevention, flea prevention, antibiotics as well as additives to the foods such as preservatives, artificial food colors and flavors etc.
Food allergies can show up at any time and can mimic other hypersensitivity reactions. It is easy to differentiate from seasonal allergies, because food allergies occur all year round, as long as your pet is on the offending food. There does not appear to be any sex or breed predilection, though german shepherds and labrador retrievers seem to have a high incidence of food allergies in my practice.
Food allergies can not only affect the skin, but they can also affect the gastrointestinal system and rarely the nervous system. Typical skin symptoms include severe pruritis (itching), hairloss, redness (erythema), skin infections and ear infections. Gastrointestinal signs include vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes bloody diarrhea and straining and increased frequency of bowel movements. Rarely, seizures have been associated with food hypersensitivity. In people, food allergies have also been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, hyperactivity, depression, headaches, irritability, arthritis and joint pain, asthma, chronic bronchitis, hypoglycemia and sinusitis. Occasionally I feel like I have seen some of these symptoms in dogs and cats associated with food allergies, but that is difficult to document.
How do you know if your pet has food allergies? If your furry friend has any of the above symptoms, you should check with your veterinarian. Sometimes, you can figure it out just by doing a bit of simple detective work. Check when the itching or other symptoms began to show up. Was it right after you changed your dog or cat foods? If so, that is easy enough to figure; change back to the former food and see if your pet stops itching or whatever the problem was. If it clears up, you have a very simple answer.
Food trials are actually probable the easiest way to figure out food allergies. I usually recommend a food elimination diet as our first attempt to diagnose food allergies. The ideal way to do it is to limit your pet to one protein source and one carbohydrate source that they have had none or limited exposure to previously. For instance, if your pet was on a basic generic dog or cat food and it had wheat and corn and beef as its main ingredients you might want to choose either a homemade diet of fish and potatoes or one of the prepared hypoallergenic diets of prepared fish and potatoes. The challenge with these trials is being patient. Ideally you should see some improvement of the problems within four weeks. however sometimes it may take as long as three months and there have been reports of food elimination trials where symptoms did not improve for six months.
Most of the time though, I see improvement within a few weeks. Once you have realized that your pet is allergic to a particular pet food, then the question is what product in it is causing the allergies. Is it the carbohydrate source such as wheat or corn, or the protein source such as beef or chicken? Could it be something else entirely like the artificial colors, flavors or preservatives? All of these are possible. One can simply add one food source back at a time, which is commonly known as a food provocation trial. For instance, if you add back wheat and the symptoms reoccur you know that that is the offending allergen. The most common food allergens for pets include: beef, chicken, pork, what, corn, soybeans, eggs and dairy products. During this avoidance trial you will also want to avoid antibiotics and steroids, heartworm medications and any other potential offending substances. Also be aware that certain toys and snacks such as bones or other chewables may have offending substances in them as well and therefore need to be removed during food elimination trials. There are blood tests for food allergies, but there is still some controversy about how reliable they actually are. Food allergies can also mimic other diseases including other allergies such as inhalant or contact allergies, flea allergies as well as parasitic infections.
Once you have diagnosed that your pet has a food allergy, what can you do about it? The easiest thing of course is to avoid the offending allergen. That is definitely what you want to do. Normally, to make life simple, you can find a particular brand of dog or cat food that they do not react to. However, sometimes, this can be easier said than done with all the different foods and chemicals that are in a pet food. Some people choose to cook a homemade diet for their pet and figure out which individual foods they are allergic to. Though this can be quite time consuming, I have seen the most improvement with pets that are cooked a homemade balanced natural diet, avoiding the offending substances. These pets seem to thrive much more, as long as it is a well balanced homemade diet. Balanced homemade diet recipes can be found in books such as Dr. Pitcairn’s Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats as well as a number of homemade diet books published by dog breeders and owners as well as in my book “Love, Miracles and Animal Healing”.
Sometimes, simple nutritional supplements may also benefit a pet with food allergies. Supplements that I recommend include a good essential fatty acid supplement such as organic refrigerated flax seed oil or black currant oil or evening primrose oil at a dose of about one teaspoon daily for a 50 lb. dog. . In addition, I will use digestive enzymes and supplements such as quercetin (a bioflavinoid ) and bromelain (pineapple source digestive enzymes) combined. They actually help prevent the release of histamines in the gastrointestinal tract. There are other natural supplements I prescribe for more challenging patients.
To give you some examples of food allergies, I once treated a cat that had been on all sorts of medications for chronic itching including cortisone, hormones, antibiotics and it was still itching and getting worse. When I first saw the cat, I suggested stopping all medications and just trying a simple balanced diet. The itching and skin problems resolved within two weeks and we had a happy kitty! One time I saw a german shepherd with a history of all sorts of skin and gastrointestinal problems, including itching, loss of hair, ear infections, skin infections, diarrhea and straining to defecate. He too had been on all sorts of medications. Three weeks after we put the dog on a natural diet, all the symptoms resolved and we had another happy camper! Not all are that easy, but it is surprising what a proper balanced change of diet can do! Eat naturally and be well till next time!
If you would like a consultation with one of my Veterinary associates in the greater New York or Connecticut region, you can go to the practice part of my website, call the appropriate office and make an appointment with one of them to see how we can help your kindred spirit.
No article can replace the services of a trained veterinarian. This article is not intended to encourage treatment of illness, disease, or other medical problems by the layman. Any application of the recommendations set forth in this article is solely at the reader’s discretion and risk. You should consult a veterinarian concerning any veterinary medical or surgical problem. If a veterinarian is caring for your pet, for any condition, he or she can advise you about information described in this article.
Food allergies are simply defined as an allergic reaction caused by the ingestion of particular food substances. Food allergies can be a significant cause of a wide range of symptoms in both people and animals. Some experts estimate that at least 60% of Americans suffer from negative reactions to foods or chem...icals on foods. Veterinary experts estimate that 5% of all skin disease and 10- 15% of all allergic skin disease in dogs and cats may be caused by food hypersensitivity. It appears to be the second most common cause of pruritic (itchy skin) skin disease in cats and the third most common cause in dogs according to Dr.’s Tilley and Smith in “The Five Minute Veterinary Consult”. Along with food allergies, one has to also consider allergic reactions to medications such as medications for heartworm prevention, flea prevention, antibiotics as well as additives to the foods such as preservatives, artificial food colors and flavors etc.
Food allergies can show up at any time and can mimic other hypersensitivity reactions. It is easy to differentiate from seasonal allergies, because food allergies occur all year round, as long as your pet is on the offending food. There does not appear to be any sex or breed predilection, though german shepherds and labrador retrievers seem to have a high incidence of food allergies in my practice.
Food allergies can not only affect the skin, but they can also affect the gastrointestinal system and rarely the nervous system. Typical skin symptoms include severe pruritis (itching), hairloss, redness (erythema), skin infections and ear infections. Gastrointestinal signs include vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes bloody diarrhea and straining and increased frequency of bowel movements. Rarely, seizures have been associated with food hypersensitivity. In people, food allergies have also been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, hyperactivity, depression, headaches, irritability, arthritis and joint pain, asthma, chronic bronchitis, hypoglycemia and sinusitis. Occasionally I feel like I have seen some of these symptoms in dogs and cats associated with food allergies, but that is difficult to document.
How do you know if your pet has food allergies? If your furry friend has any of the above symptoms, you should check with your veterinarian. Sometimes, you can figure it out just by doing a bit of simple detective work. Check when the itching or other symptoms began to show up. Was it right after you changed your dog or cat foods? If so, that is easy enough to figure; change back to the former food and see if your pet stops itching or whatever the problem was. If it clears up, you have a very simple answer.
Food trials are actually probable the easiest way to figure out food allergies. I usually recommend a food elimination diet as our first attempt to diagnose food allergies. The ideal way to do it is to limit your pet to one protein source and one carbohydrate source that they have had none or limited exposure to previously. For instance, if your pet was on a basic generic dog or cat food and it had wheat and corn and beef as its main ingredients you might want to choose either a homemade diet of fish and potatoes or one of the prepared hypoallergenic diets of prepared fish and potatoes. The challenge with these trials is being patient. Ideally you should see some improvement of the problems within four weeks. however sometimes it may take as long as three months and there have been reports of food elimination trials where symptoms did not improve for six months.
Most of the time though, I see improvement within a few weeks. Once you have realized that your pet is allergic to a particular pet food, then the question is what product in it is causing the allergies. Is it the carbohydrate source such as wheat or corn, or the protein source such as beef or chicken? Could it be something else entirely like the artificial colors, flavors or preservatives? All of these are possible. One can simply add one food source back at a time, which is commonly known as a food provocation trial. For instance, if you add back wheat and the symptoms reoccur you know that that is the offending allergen. The most common food allergens for pets include: beef, chicken, pork, what, corn, soybeans, eggs and dairy products. During this avoidance trial you will also want to avoid antibiotics and steroids, heartworm medications and any other potential offending substances. Also be aware that certain toys and snacks such as bones or other chewables may have offending substances in them as well and therefore need to be removed during food elimination trials. There are blood tests for food allergies, but there is still some controversy about how reliable they actually are. Food allergies can also mimic other diseases including other allergies such as inhalant or contact allergies, flea allergies as well as parasitic infections.
Once you have diagnosed that your pet has a food allergy, what can you do about it? The easiest thing of course is to avoid the offending allergen. That is definitely what you want to do. Normally, to make life simple, you can find a particular brand of dog or cat food that they do not react to. However, sometimes, this can be easier said than done with all the different foods and chemicals that are in a pet food. Some people choose to cook a homemade diet for their pet and figure out which individual foods they are allergic to. Though this can be quite time consuming, I have seen the most improvement with pets that are cooked a homemade balanced natural diet, avoiding the offending substances. These pets seem to thrive much more, as long as it is a well balanced homemade diet. Balanced homemade diet recipes can be found in books such as Dr. Pitcairn’s Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats as well as a number of homemade diet books published by dog breeders and owners as well as in my book “Love, Miracles and Animal Healing”.
Sometimes, simple nutritional supplements may also benefit a pet with food allergies. Supplements that I recommend include a good essential fatty acid supplement such as organic refrigerated flax seed oil or black currant oil or evening primrose oil at a dose of about one teaspoon daily for a 50 lb. dog. . In addition, I will use digestive enzymes and supplements such as quercetin (a bioflavinoid ) and bromelain (pineapple source digestive enzymes) combined. They actually help prevent the release of histamines in the gastrointestinal tract. There are other natural supplements I prescribe for more challenging patients.
To give you some examples of food allergies, I once treated a cat that had been on all sorts of medications for chronic itching including cortisone, hormones, antibiotics and it was still itching and getting worse. When I first saw the cat, I suggested stopping all medications and just trying a simple balanced diet. The itching and skin problems resolved within two weeks and we had a happy kitty! One time I saw a german shepherd with a history of all sorts of skin and gastrointestinal problems, including itching, loss of hair, ear infections, skin infections, diarrhea and straining to defecate. He too had been on all sorts of medications. Three weeks after we put the dog on a natural diet, all the symptoms resolved and we had another happy camper! Not all are that easy, but it is surprising what a proper balanced change of diet can do! Eat naturally and be well till next time!
If you would like a consultation with one of my Veterinary associates in the greater New York or Connecticut region, you can go to the practice part of my website, call the appropriate office and make an appointment with one of them to see how we can help your kindred spirit.
No article can replace the services of a trained veterinarian. This article is not intended to encourage treatment of illness, disease, or other medical problems by the layman. Any application of the recommendations set forth in this article is solely at the reader’s discretion and risk. You should consult a veterinarian concerning any veterinary medical or surgical problem. If a veterinarian is caring for your pet, for any condition, he or she can advise you about information described in this article.
Botanical Medicine & Herbal Tonics for Pets
Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M., M.S.
A number of years ago returned from a course titled “Botanical Medicine for Doctors” at Columbia Medical School in New York. As the token veterinarian amidst 150 human physicians, it was fascinating to see how various herb remedies that I have been using with pets for over fifteen years are becoming quite mainstream today... in human medicine. Dr. Andy Weil was one of the keynote faculty at this course. He shared similar enthusiasm as well as concerns for botanical medicine that I have shared with you in earlier articles.
Botanical medicine, also commonly known as herbal medicine, shows some exciting potential in animal health care. However, significant concerns are noteworthy. First of all, we do not know definitive dosages for dogs and cats. All dosages were developed for mice, rats and people. Essentially, we are adjusting these dosages to the weight of our pets. This is not unreasonable to do, but with a few caveats. Cats often have unique reactions to numerous medications and many can actually be toxic to cats. For instance, aspirin is deadly to cats at normal human or even dog dosages. Also ephedra, a commonly used herb for asthma in people, can also be toxic at reasonable dosage for cats with feline asthma. Therefore, if you are thinking that you can use a human herbal formula for human asthma on your cat with feline asthma, think twice! Most of the human formulas have ephedra in them. There may be and probably are other herbs that may be potentially toxic to cats. Make sure you discuss any herbal products with a holistically oriented veterinarian in your area.
Other challenges in using herbs include the question of herbal quality, sources, percentage of active ingredients, pesticide contamination, and drug interactions. Herbal quality is a real issue. Mark Blumenthal of the Herb Research Foundation is completing an evaluation of hundreds of ginseng formulas currently available. He was amazed how many of them had virtually no active ingredients of ginseng. So you may think that you are giving your dog or cat ginseng as a tonic and feel that it is not working, when your pet may actually not be getting any ginseng at all! Your best bet is to look for standardized extracts with guaranteed potency, or check again with a veterinarian trained in herbal medicine. I always try to use herbal formulas from ethical companies that use organically raised herbs wherever possible and only fresh herbs that are produced without deleterious effects to the culture or environment of any country. These days there are a number of reputable companies that have developed herbal formula’s specifically for animals.
Taking all these concerns into consideration, certain herbal remedies can be beneficial for our pets with judicious use. There is always the temptation to use the “herb of the month club” recommendation. One should always consult with a veterinarian trained in the use of herbs. Herbs and herbal formulas have been documented to be beneficial as tonics for cardiovascular conditions, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, immune- mediated as well as musculoskeletal conditions and behavior problems.
Let’s discuss some tonic herbs now. Tonic herbs help normalize bodily functions and increase resistance to stress. “Tonic” actually comes from the word “tone”. Tonics tone or tune up our bodies defense mechanisms. There are no real tonics in western medicine. Tonics can benefit any pets who are chronically ill, debilitated or older geriatric patients who lack energy and vitality. These herbs are also called “adaptogenic” meaning that assist in the modulation of the endocrine system. Ginseng is probably the best known of tonic herbs. Ginseng is considered the supreme tonic in chinese medicine. It increases energy, longevity, skin and muscle tone and bone strength. There are different types of ginseng. American (panax) ginseng is preferred for female patients and older pets. Siberian (eleutherococcus) ginseng is one of the best adaptogens, or stress-protective tonics. It improves resistance to infections as well as stamina in pets. Adjust the dosage by weight from the human products used to the weight of your pet. For instance if it is in a capsule and the recommended dosage in two to three capsules twice a day for an adult person and you have a fifty pound older dog, one may give one capsule twice a day. If you are administering tinctures, be careful with cats, because they often times have too high an alcohol content for cats, so you would want to boil off the alcohol before administering or dilute it greatly. If you are using ginseng long term, use for only two to three months at a time and then give a break and stop it for a few weeks. Again, consult with a naturally trained veterinarian.
Ashwaganda is an Indian (ayurvedic) herb that is the Indian version of ginseng. It is less expensive than ginseng and more abundant. It also can be quite beneficial in the elderly, debilitated or recovering dog or cat. Again, dosages need to be adjusted from human recommended dosages.
Dong quai (also spelled tang keui), another Chinese tonic, contains volatile oils that assist in the balancing of hormones. It has been mistakenly called “female ginseng”. In China, it is used by both men and women even more often than ginseng. It is a good general tonic for the female reproductive system and may be beneficial for unspayed dogs and cats, especially for weakness after giving birth. I use it as a tonic in dogs with chronic diseases such as liver disease, cancer, and general old age problems. It is related to carrots, parsnips, fennel and other common edibles and therefore nontoxic. It too is less expensive than ginseng. In Chinese medicine it is usually used in combination with other herbs.
Astragalus, another excellent Chinese herbal tonic, enhances immune function. We discussed this herb in previous articles on herbal antibacterial and antiviral remedies. It can be used similar to other tonics for the elderly or debilitated pet. I recommend it for all my cancer patients, both those undergoing conventional treatment and those who have elected not to. It can be taken regularly. I also use it in treating viral infections and any chronic disease. It is completely nontoxic and animals normally respond quite well.
There are tonic herbs that are specific for certain organs or organ systems. Hawthornberry for instance is an excellent heart tonic. It can be used for just about any heart problem from cardiomyopathy in dogs and cats to congestive heart failure or arrhythmias. However, If your pet is on digoxin, a very potent heart medication originally derived from the plant foxglove, you want to make sure you work with your veterinarian, because it actually potentiates the effects of digoxin. It may require lowering the dosage of digoxin, so again, it is vital that you monitor this with your veterinarian.
May you and your animal friends be healthy and happy!
No article can replace the services of a trained veterinarian. This article is not intended to encourage treatment of illness, disease, or other medical problems by the layman. Any application of the recommendations set forth in this article is solely at the reader’s discretion and risk. You should consult a veterinarian concerning any veterinary medical or surgical problem. If a veterinarian is caring for your pet, for any condition, he or she can advise you about information described in this article.
A number of years ago returned from a course titled “Botanical Medicine for Doctors” at Columbia Medical School in New York. As the token veterinarian amidst 150 human physicians, it was fascinating to see how various herb remedies that I have been using with pets for over fifteen years are becoming quite mainstream today... in human medicine. Dr. Andy Weil was one of the keynote faculty at this course. He shared similar enthusiasm as well as concerns for botanical medicine that I have shared with you in earlier articles.
Botanical medicine, also commonly known as herbal medicine, shows some exciting potential in animal health care. However, significant concerns are noteworthy. First of all, we do not know definitive dosages for dogs and cats. All dosages were developed for mice, rats and people. Essentially, we are adjusting these dosages to the weight of our pets. This is not unreasonable to do, but with a few caveats. Cats often have unique reactions to numerous medications and many can actually be toxic to cats. For instance, aspirin is deadly to cats at normal human or even dog dosages. Also ephedra, a commonly used herb for asthma in people, can also be toxic at reasonable dosage for cats with feline asthma. Therefore, if you are thinking that you can use a human herbal formula for human asthma on your cat with feline asthma, think twice! Most of the human formulas have ephedra in them. There may be and probably are other herbs that may be potentially toxic to cats. Make sure you discuss any herbal products with a holistically oriented veterinarian in your area.
Other challenges in using herbs include the question of herbal quality, sources, percentage of active ingredients, pesticide contamination, and drug interactions. Herbal quality is a real issue. Mark Blumenthal of the Herb Research Foundation is completing an evaluation of hundreds of ginseng formulas currently available. He was amazed how many of them had virtually no active ingredients of ginseng. So you may think that you are giving your dog or cat ginseng as a tonic and feel that it is not working, when your pet may actually not be getting any ginseng at all! Your best bet is to look for standardized extracts with guaranteed potency, or check again with a veterinarian trained in herbal medicine. I always try to use herbal formulas from ethical companies that use organically raised herbs wherever possible and only fresh herbs that are produced without deleterious effects to the culture or environment of any country. These days there are a number of reputable companies that have developed herbal formula’s specifically for animals.
Taking all these concerns into consideration, certain herbal remedies can be beneficial for our pets with judicious use. There is always the temptation to use the “herb of the month club” recommendation. One should always consult with a veterinarian trained in the use of herbs. Herbs and herbal formulas have been documented to be beneficial as tonics for cardiovascular conditions, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, immune- mediated as well as musculoskeletal conditions and behavior problems.
Let’s discuss some tonic herbs now. Tonic herbs help normalize bodily functions and increase resistance to stress. “Tonic” actually comes from the word “tone”. Tonics tone or tune up our bodies defense mechanisms. There are no real tonics in western medicine. Tonics can benefit any pets who are chronically ill, debilitated or older geriatric patients who lack energy and vitality. These herbs are also called “adaptogenic” meaning that assist in the modulation of the endocrine system. Ginseng is probably the best known of tonic herbs. Ginseng is considered the supreme tonic in chinese medicine. It increases energy, longevity, skin and muscle tone and bone strength. There are different types of ginseng. American (panax) ginseng is preferred for female patients and older pets. Siberian (eleutherococcus) ginseng is one of the best adaptogens, or stress-protective tonics. It improves resistance to infections as well as stamina in pets. Adjust the dosage by weight from the human products used to the weight of your pet. For instance if it is in a capsule and the recommended dosage in two to three capsules twice a day for an adult person and you have a fifty pound older dog, one may give one capsule twice a day. If you are administering tinctures, be careful with cats, because they often times have too high an alcohol content for cats, so you would want to boil off the alcohol before administering or dilute it greatly. If you are using ginseng long term, use for only two to three months at a time and then give a break and stop it for a few weeks. Again, consult with a naturally trained veterinarian.
Ashwaganda is an Indian (ayurvedic) herb that is the Indian version of ginseng. It is less expensive than ginseng and more abundant. It also can be quite beneficial in the elderly, debilitated or recovering dog or cat. Again, dosages need to be adjusted from human recommended dosages.
Dong quai (also spelled tang keui), another Chinese tonic, contains volatile oils that assist in the balancing of hormones. It has been mistakenly called “female ginseng”. In China, it is used by both men and women even more often than ginseng. It is a good general tonic for the female reproductive system and may be beneficial for unspayed dogs and cats, especially for weakness after giving birth. I use it as a tonic in dogs with chronic diseases such as liver disease, cancer, and general old age problems. It is related to carrots, parsnips, fennel and other common edibles and therefore nontoxic. It too is less expensive than ginseng. In Chinese medicine it is usually used in combination with other herbs.
Astragalus, another excellent Chinese herbal tonic, enhances immune function. We discussed this herb in previous articles on herbal antibacterial and antiviral remedies. It can be used similar to other tonics for the elderly or debilitated pet. I recommend it for all my cancer patients, both those undergoing conventional treatment and those who have elected not to. It can be taken regularly. I also use it in treating viral infections and any chronic disease. It is completely nontoxic and animals normally respond quite well.
There are tonic herbs that are specific for certain organs or organ systems. Hawthornberry for instance is an excellent heart tonic. It can be used for just about any heart problem from cardiomyopathy in dogs and cats to congestive heart failure or arrhythmias. However, If your pet is on digoxin, a very potent heart medication originally derived from the plant foxglove, you want to make sure you work with your veterinarian, because it actually potentiates the effects of digoxin. It may require lowering the dosage of digoxin, so again, it is vital that you monitor this with your veterinarian.
May you and your animal friends be healthy and happy!
No article can replace the services of a trained veterinarian. This article is not intended to encourage treatment of illness, disease, or other medical problems by the layman. Any application of the recommendations set forth in this article is solely at the reader’s discretion and risk. You should consult a veterinarian concerning any veterinary medical or surgical problem. If a veterinarian is caring for your pet, for any condition, he or she can advise you about information described in this article.
HERE COMES WINTER
Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:
Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.
Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm..., dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.
Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.
Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.
Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws, too. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.
Don't leave your dog alone in a car without proper precautions. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.
Health Tips
Dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season. Remember the following health concerns:
Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.
Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk.
Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.
Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
Don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.
Holiday Safeguards
The winter season brings lots of fun holiday festivities, but pet-owners should keep in mind the following special precautions:
The holidays are not ideal for introducing a pet into your family. New puppies and dogs require extra attention and a stable environment, which the holiday season doesn't permit. Also, a puppy is not a toy or gift that can be returned. Instead, the AKC suggests giving a gift representative of the dog to come, such as a toy, a leash, or a bed.
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Make sure they are kept in places your dog cannot reach.
Review holiday gifts for dogs to make sure they are safe. Items such as plastic toys and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.
Remove holiday lights from lower branches of your tree. They may get very hot and burn dogs.
Watch out for electrical cords. Pets often try to chew them and may get badly shocked or electrocuted. Place wires out of reach.
Avoid using glass ornaments. They break easily and may cut a dog's feet and mouth.
Refrain from using edible ornaments. Your dog may knock the tree over in an attempt to eat them. Also, commercial ornaments may contain paint or toxins in the preservatives.
Whether your tree is live or artificial, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible. Don't leave your dog unattended in the room with the tree.
Tinsel is dangerous for dogs. It may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.
Alcohol and chocolate are toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep unhealthy, sweet treats and seasonal goodies out of reach.
The holiday season is a stressful time for dogs. Try to keep a normal schedule during all the excitement.
Treatment Options for Poisoned Pets
Treatment for a poisoned dog or cat is specific for the poison involved and the symptoms. If your pet just gobbled up poison, the treatment may begin by making your pet vomit. Your veterinarian will tell you whether or not to induce vomiting based on what your pet ate. Your veterinarian will explain how to get your pet to vomit using salt water, dilute hydrogen ...peroxide, or Ipecac.
One type of poisoning for which vomiting is often prescribed occurs when your pet swallows a handful of a medication, such as aspirin, blood pressure pills, or too many of his or her own medications. On other occasions, your veterinarian will tell you not to induce vomiting. Vomiting is actually harmful if your pet ate something that will cause a lung infection if any of the vomitus is coughed into the lungs. For example, poisons that contain petroleum products cause lung infections (aspiration pneumonia) when vomited. If your pet swallowed paint thinner (a petroleum product) your veterinarian will tell you not to induce vomiting. In cases like this, your veterinarian may tell you to give your pet activated charcoal to adsorb the poison. Endosorb can also be used to adsorb toxins in the stomach and intestines. It is available as tablets or liquid and is less messy than charcoal. Your pet may also need IV fluids.
About 25% of poisoned pets recover within two hours. Of the pets that take longer to recover, many can be treated at home with the advice of your veterinarian or with advice from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (telephone 1-888-426-4435). Even with treatment, one in 100 poisoned pets dies.
Your pet has the best chance of survival if you get help immediately.
Steps for Taking Care of a Poisoned Pet
1. Notify your veterinarian.
2. Keep your pet calm.
3. If the poison is on your pet's skin, bathe him or her. Rinse. Rinse. Rinse.
4. If the poison was ingested, get a sample of the poison's container so your veterinarian can determine the best treatment.
5. Give activated charcoal or Endosorb (as recommended by a veterinarian) for poisons such as chocolate or bromethalin.
For charcoal to work fully, give ten times as much charcoal as poison. The charcoal is often given multiple times rather than all at once. Charcoal causes diarrhea in some pets and constipation in others. The stools are dark black. Don't give charcoal when your pet is poisoned with an oil.
When advised to do so, induce vomiting. Never induce vomiting in an unconscious or convulsing pet, or in horses, rabbits, and rodents because they don't vomit.
To induce vomiting use 3% hydrogen peroxide at 1-2 teaspoons/10 lbs. Insert a syringe or squeeze bottle between back teeth to give hydrogen peroxide to cats. Repeat the dose in 10 or 15 minutes if your pet hasn't vomited.
At the veterinary clinic, vomiting might be induced with Ipecac, which is diluted with equal parts of water and given to provide 1ml/lb for dogs, and 1 ½ ml/lb for cats. Unlike hydrogen peroxide, which may be repeated if your pet has not vomited after the first dose, Ipecac is not repeated. Activated charcoal is not given with Ipecac.
Use salt water to induce vomiting only when instructed to do so by your veterinarian because salt can cause salt toxicosis (poisoning) in some pets.
What Your Veterinarian Might Do if Your Pet is Poisoned
For pets that shouldn't or can't vomit, your veterinarian may give your pet an anesthetic to flush the stomach. Gastric flushing removes a large amount of material, and removes materials that are slow to exit the stomach. Veterinarians will not use this technique with convulsing pets, or with pets that swallowed caustic materials such as bleach or petroleum products.
Preventing Further Damage From Poisoning
After being poisoned, your pet's liver and kidneys may be affected. Antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics, and liver supplements that benefit the liver and kidneys help these damaged organs heal. Omega 3 fatty acids will help control inflammation. Examples of products that may help include Traumeel Tablets, Be Well for Dogs, Be Well for Cats, and Denosyl.
One type of poisoning for which vomiting is often prescribed occurs when your pet swallows a handful of a medication, such as aspirin, blood pressure pills, or too many of his or her own medications. On other occasions, your veterinarian will tell you not to induce vomiting. Vomiting is actually harmful if your pet ate something that will cause a lung infection if any of the vomitus is coughed into the lungs. For example, poisons that contain petroleum products cause lung infections (aspiration pneumonia) when vomited. If your pet swallowed paint thinner (a petroleum product) your veterinarian will tell you not to induce vomiting. In cases like this, your veterinarian may tell you to give your pet activated charcoal to adsorb the poison. Endosorb can also be used to adsorb toxins in the stomach and intestines. It is available as tablets or liquid and is less messy than charcoal. Your pet may also need IV fluids.
About 25% of poisoned pets recover within two hours. Of the pets that take longer to recover, many can be treated at home with the advice of your veterinarian or with advice from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (telephone 1-888-426-4435). Even with treatment, one in 100 poisoned pets dies.
Your pet has the best chance of survival if you get help immediately.
Steps for Taking Care of a Poisoned Pet
1. Notify your veterinarian.
2. Keep your pet calm.
3. If the poison is on your pet's skin, bathe him or her. Rinse. Rinse. Rinse.
4. If the poison was ingested, get a sample of the poison's container so your veterinarian can determine the best treatment.
5. Give activated charcoal or Endosorb (as recommended by a veterinarian) for poisons such as chocolate or bromethalin.
For charcoal to work fully, give ten times as much charcoal as poison. The charcoal is often given multiple times rather than all at once. Charcoal causes diarrhea in some pets and constipation in others. The stools are dark black. Don't give charcoal when your pet is poisoned with an oil.
When advised to do so, induce vomiting. Never induce vomiting in an unconscious or convulsing pet, or in horses, rabbits, and rodents because they don't vomit.
To induce vomiting use 3% hydrogen peroxide at 1-2 teaspoons/10 lbs. Insert a syringe or squeeze bottle between back teeth to give hydrogen peroxide to cats. Repeat the dose in 10 or 15 minutes if your pet hasn't vomited.
At the veterinary clinic, vomiting might be induced with Ipecac, which is diluted with equal parts of water and given to provide 1ml/lb for dogs, and 1 ½ ml/lb for cats. Unlike hydrogen peroxide, which may be repeated if your pet has not vomited after the first dose, Ipecac is not repeated. Activated charcoal is not given with Ipecac.
Use salt water to induce vomiting only when instructed to do so by your veterinarian because salt can cause salt toxicosis (poisoning) in some pets.
What Your Veterinarian Might Do if Your Pet is Poisoned
For pets that shouldn't or can't vomit, your veterinarian may give your pet an anesthetic to flush the stomach. Gastric flushing removes a large amount of material, and removes materials that are slow to exit the stomach. Veterinarians will not use this technique with convulsing pets, or with pets that swallowed caustic materials such as bleach or petroleum products.
Preventing Further Damage From Poisoning
After being poisoned, your pet's liver and kidneys may be affected. Antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics, and liver supplements that benefit the liver and kidneys help these damaged organs heal. Omega 3 fatty acids will help control inflammation. Examples of products that may help include Traumeel Tablets, Be Well for Dogs, Be Well for Cats, and Denosyl.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Activated charcoal is a first aid medication given in certain cases of poisoning. Adding it to your pup's food as a supplement or to treat other problems does him absolutely no good whatsoever. Adding it to your dog's food when you suspect he's ingested a poison is also frowned upon. Only in very unusual circumstances would you give your dog activated charcoal with food.
What and Why?
Activated c...harcoal is an extremely lightweight, porous charcoal produced as a pharmacological agent, usually from plant matter. It is available in liquid form by prescription and as a powder -- loose or in capsules or compressed tablets -- over the counter. The particles have lots of surface area with great absorptive capacity. It's been used for thousands of years to treat cases of ingested poisoning, but it's use is a subject of ongoing debate in the first aid community. Some first responders say don't use it, unless it's in liquid form; the American Red Cross still says it's a choice, regardless of form. Some medical practitioners claim it absorbs up to 60 percent of ingested poison. Others claim its success rate is far lower, and that home first aid and routine hospital use are contraindicated. Both sides cite scientific studies supporting their positions.
When to Use Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is best given by veterinary personnel. The only time you should administer it yourself is when you are certain your pet swallowed a specific substance and your veterinarian or an emergency services staff member tells you to give activated charcoal on your way to the animal hospital. Activated charcoal must be administered before your pet shows symptoms of poisoning, so the vet may advise you to use it if you're racing against the clock to get your pup treated before symptoms arise. The Pet Poison Help Line is 1-800-222-1222.
Procedures and Dangers
In rare cases, activated charcoal can cause dehydration or a dangerous surge in blood sodium levels. These conditions can make poisoning symptoms worse and lead to loss of bodily control and even to death. For this reason it isn't given to patients who are dehydrated and is usually administered with fluid therapy. Your vet may also give your pup a second medication with the activated charcoal to help him vomit or pass the charcoal and the poison as stool.
Giving It With Food
Giving activated charcoal with food isn't the dosage method of choice. You typically don't have time to convince your doggy to eat during a poisoning episode -- you or your vet will simply be shoving the medication down his throat. Moreover, the activated charcoal will absorb nutrients and fluid from the food, which means it will be less available to absorb the poison. The only time you might give activated charcoal with food is when you are unable to force your pup to swallow it plain and are at your wit's end. The Pet Poison Helpline says that under these conditions, it is better to give it with a small amount of wet food than to not give it at all, but to use the smallest amount of food possible.
What and Why?
Activated c...harcoal is an extremely lightweight, porous charcoal produced as a pharmacological agent, usually from plant matter. It is available in liquid form by prescription and as a powder -- loose or in capsules or compressed tablets -- over the counter. The particles have lots of surface area with great absorptive capacity. It's been used for thousands of years to treat cases of ingested poisoning, but it's use is a subject of ongoing debate in the first aid community. Some first responders say don't use it, unless it's in liquid form; the American Red Cross still says it's a choice, regardless of form. Some medical practitioners claim it absorbs up to 60 percent of ingested poison. Others claim its success rate is far lower, and that home first aid and routine hospital use are contraindicated. Both sides cite scientific studies supporting their positions.
When to Use Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is best given by veterinary personnel. The only time you should administer it yourself is when you are certain your pet swallowed a specific substance and your veterinarian or an emergency services staff member tells you to give activated charcoal on your way to the animal hospital. Activated charcoal must be administered before your pet shows symptoms of poisoning, so the vet may advise you to use it if you're racing against the clock to get your pup treated before symptoms arise. The Pet Poison Help Line is 1-800-222-1222.
Procedures and Dangers
In rare cases, activated charcoal can cause dehydration or a dangerous surge in blood sodium levels. These conditions can make poisoning symptoms worse and lead to loss of bodily control and even to death. For this reason it isn't given to patients who are dehydrated and is usually administered with fluid therapy. Your vet may also give your pup a second medication with the activated charcoal to help him vomit or pass the charcoal and the poison as stool.
Giving It With Food
Giving activated charcoal with food isn't the dosage method of choice. You typically don't have time to convince your doggy to eat during a poisoning episode -- you or your vet will simply be shoving the medication down his throat. Moreover, the activated charcoal will absorb nutrients and fluid from the food, which means it will be less available to absorb the poison. The only time you might give activated charcoal with food is when you are unable to force your pup to swallow it plain and are at your wit's end. The Pet Poison Helpline says that under these conditions, it is better to give it with a small amount of wet food than to not give it at all, but to use the smallest amount of food possible.
4 WAYS TO TREAT DIARRHEA!!!!
#1 Take away all food and water for 24 hours. Do not take away water if your dog seems dehydrated and/or hasn’t been drinking much before this. In that case, give ice cubes or very small amounts of water several times a day. Then (after 24 hours), instead of their usual dog food, give your dog small servings of a bland diet 4 to 5 times throughout the day.
Choose from...:
cooked white rice (no butter or flavorings)
cottage cheese (no liquid)
boiled chicken (no grease, no skin, no flavorings)
boiled turkey (no grease, no skin, no flavorings)
scrambled egg (no butter or oil)
boiled egg (no butter or oil)
boiled potato (no skin or flavorings)
baked potato (no skin or flavorings)
--Continue to feed several small servings of this bland diet for a couple days in gradually increasing amounts until a formed stool is passed. Then, start to wean your pet back to its regular food over the course of a week by gradually working in small amounts of their regular dry dog food.
#2 Do not give your dog bones, snacks, or table scraps — because they may irritate the intestinal tract during this time.
#3 Give 100% pure canned pumpkin. This does not mean the pumpkin pie filling with sugars and spices. Most dogs love the flavor of pumpkin, but it is a unique fiber that regulates the bowel. It will color the stool.
#4 Two other over-the-counter medicines can be given to dogs with diarrhea: Imodium AD (1 ml per lb. every 8 hours) and Kaopectate (1 ml per lb. every 2 hours). Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. If diarrhea persists or worsens, contact your veterinarian.
Choose from...:
cooked white rice (no butter or flavorings)
cottage cheese (no liquid)
boiled chicken (no grease, no skin, no flavorings)
boiled turkey (no grease, no skin, no flavorings)
scrambled egg (no butter or oil)
boiled egg (no butter or oil)
boiled potato (no skin or flavorings)
baked potato (no skin or flavorings)
--Continue to feed several small servings of this bland diet for a couple days in gradually increasing amounts until a formed stool is passed. Then, start to wean your pet back to its regular food over the course of a week by gradually working in small amounts of their regular dry dog food.
#2 Do not give your dog bones, snacks, or table scraps — because they may irritate the intestinal tract during this time.
#3 Give 100% pure canned pumpkin. This does not mean the pumpkin pie filling with sugars and spices. Most dogs love the flavor of pumpkin, but it is a unique fiber that regulates the bowel. It will color the stool.
#4 Two other over-the-counter medicines can be given to dogs with diarrhea: Imodium AD (1 ml per lb. every 8 hours) and Kaopectate (1 ml per lb. every 2 hours). Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. If diarrhea persists or worsens, contact your veterinarian.
7 AWESOME TIPS FOR CANINES
TIP #1
Vitamin E is good for preventing those pesky age lines on your face, and it's also great for your dog's dry skin. You can give your pup a doggy massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go all "Hollywood" and pop your dog a pill (of vitamin E, that is). If you give the vitamin orall...y, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.
TIP #2
Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to rehydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick pooch's body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.
TIP #3
Deliciously plain yogurt is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog's intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). You can also give your dog acidophilus pills -- wrapping the pills in bacon is strictly optional. Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities.
TIP #4
Chamomile tea uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog's raw skin. Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin. A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes.
TIP #5
An itchy dog can be quite an annoyance, especially as it goes around scratching itself on any piece of furniture it can reach. Forget the back scratcher. Finely ground oatmeal is a time-honored remedy for irritated skin. You can use baby oatmeal cereal or grind it yourself in a food processor. Stir the oatmeal into a bath of warm water and let your dog soak in the healing goodness. Your dog will thank you, trust us. Dogs with skin allergies, infections, and other diseases which cause itchiness have been shown to gain immediate relief with this approach, too.
TIP #6
Dogs can be like kids at times, and as such they are bound to suffer from wounds and the occasional unexplained swelling. Try treating these ailments with Epsom salt soaks and heat packs next time. A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision. If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn't convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied to wounds for the same effect.
#7 Does your dog have fleas? Never fear. Before turning to the big guns, try some borax powder. The standard stuff at the store will work wonders on fleas by poking holes in their crunchy insect exoskeletons. A good way to make sure those parasitic suckers get annihilated is to sprinkle the borax on your floor, and then sweep or vacuum up the excess. The invisible borax crystals left behind will kill the fleas and you won't even have to lift a finger. It's inexpensive and practically non-toxic compared to an appointment with the exterminator.
For the dog, try a simple solution of lemon water. Fleas are repelled by citrus, so this can work both as a flea preventive, and for making your dog smell clean and refreshing. A useful solution can be made by pouring boiled water over lemons and allowing them to steep over night. This solution can then be applied all over your dog's skin using a fresh spray bottle. And, the tried and true Brewer's yeast method cannot be left out. Brewer's yeast can be given as part of a regular diet in powdered form, sprinkled over the dog food, or in tablet form, perhaps wrapped in a small slice of bacon or cheese.
Home (or holistic) remedies aren't just for tree huggers anymore. It's important to take care of your dog from day to day, not just when it's feeling a little under the weather, and the best way to maintain the best health is often the most natural way. But most of all, it'll help keeping your "baby" from crying like a hound dog.
Vitamin E is good for preventing those pesky age lines on your face, and it's also great for your dog's dry skin. You can give your pup a doggy massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go all "Hollywood" and pop your dog a pill (of vitamin E, that is). If you give the vitamin orall...y, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.
TIP #2
Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to rehydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick pooch's body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.
TIP #3
Deliciously plain yogurt is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog's intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). You can also give your dog acidophilus pills -- wrapping the pills in bacon is strictly optional. Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities.
TIP #4
Chamomile tea uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog's raw skin. Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin. A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes.
TIP #5
An itchy dog can be quite an annoyance, especially as it goes around scratching itself on any piece of furniture it can reach. Forget the back scratcher. Finely ground oatmeal is a time-honored remedy for irritated skin. You can use baby oatmeal cereal or grind it yourself in a food processor. Stir the oatmeal into a bath of warm water and let your dog soak in the healing goodness. Your dog will thank you, trust us. Dogs with skin allergies, infections, and other diseases which cause itchiness have been shown to gain immediate relief with this approach, too.
TIP #6
Dogs can be like kids at times, and as such they are bound to suffer from wounds and the occasional unexplained swelling. Try treating these ailments with Epsom salt soaks and heat packs next time. A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision. If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn't convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied to wounds for the same effect.
#7 Does your dog have fleas? Never fear. Before turning to the big guns, try some borax powder. The standard stuff at the store will work wonders on fleas by poking holes in their crunchy insect exoskeletons. A good way to make sure those parasitic suckers get annihilated is to sprinkle the borax on your floor, and then sweep or vacuum up the excess. The invisible borax crystals left behind will kill the fleas and you won't even have to lift a finger. It's inexpensive and practically non-toxic compared to an appointment with the exterminator.
For the dog, try a simple solution of lemon water. Fleas are repelled by citrus, so this can work both as a flea preventive, and for making your dog smell clean and refreshing. A useful solution can be made by pouring boiled water over lemons and allowing them to steep over night. This solution can then be applied all over your dog's skin using a fresh spray bottle. And, the tried and true Brewer's yeast method cannot be left out. Brewer's yeast can be given as part of a regular diet in powdered form, sprinkled over the dog food, or in tablet form, perhaps wrapped in a small slice of bacon or cheese.
Home (or holistic) remedies aren't just for tree huggers anymore. It's important to take care of your dog from day to day, not just when it's feeling a little under the weather, and the best way to maintain the best health is often the most natural way. But most of all, it'll help keeping your "baby" from crying like a hound dog.
PYOMETRA
Pyometra is defined as an infection in the uterus. Pyometra is considered a serious and life threatening condition that must be treated quickly and aggressively.
Pyometra is a secondary infection that occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the female's reproductive tract. During estrus ("heat"), white blood cells, which normally protect against infection, are inhibited from entering the ute...rus. This allows sperm to safely enter the female's reproductive tract without being damaged or destroyed by these immune system cells. Following estrus ("heat") in the dog, progesterone hormone levels remain elevated up to two months and cause thickening of the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy and fetal development. If pregnancy does not occur for several consecutive estrus cycles, the uterine lining continues to increase in thickness until cysts often form within the tissues (a condition called Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia). The thickened, cystic lining secretes fluids that create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in. Additionally, high progesterone levels inhibit the ability of the muscles in the wall of the uterus to contract and expel accumulated fluids or bacteria. The combination of these factors often leads to infection.
How do bacteria get into the uterus?
The cervix is the gateway to the uterus. It remains tightly closed except during estrus, when it relaxes to allow sperm to enter the uterus. If the cervix is open or relaxed, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus easily.
If the cervix is open or relaxed, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus easily. If the uterus is normal, the uterine environment is adverse to bacterial survival; however, when the uterine wall is thickened or cystic, perfect conditions exist for bacterial growth. In addition, when these abnormal conditions exist, the muscles of the uterus cannot contract properly either due to thickening of the uterine wall or the hormone progesterone. This means that bacteria that enter the uterus cannot be expelled.
What are the clinical signs of pyometra?
The clinical signs depend on whether or not the cervix remains open. If it is open, pus will drain from the uterus through the vagina to the outside. Pus or an abnormal discharge is often seen on the skin or hair under the tail or on bedding and furniture where the dog has recently laid. Fever, lethargy, anorexia, and depression may or may not be present.
If the cervix is closed, pus that forms is not able to drain to the outside. It collects in the uterus ultimately causing the abdomen to distend. The bacteria release toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream. Dogs with closed pyometra become severely ill very rapidly. They are anorectic, very listless and very depressed. Vomiting or diarrhea may also be present.
Toxins released by the bacteria affect the kidney's ability to retain fluid. Increased urine production occurs, and many dogs drink an excess of water to compensate. Increased water consumption may occur in both open- and closed-cervix pyometra.
How is pyometra diagnosed?
Dogs that are examined early in the course of the disease may have a slight vaginal discharge and show no other signs of illness. However, most dogs with pyometra are seen later in the illness. A very ill female dog with a history of recent "heat" that is drinking an increased amount of water should be suspected of having pyometra. This is especially true if there is a vaginal discharge or a painful, enlarged abdomen.
Dogs with pyometra usually have a severe elevation of the white blood cell count and often have an elevation of globulins (a type of protein often associated with the immune system) in the blood. The specific gravity (concentration) of the urine is generally low due to the toxic effects of the bacteria on the kidneys. However, these changes are non-specific and may be present in any dog with a major bacterial infection.
If the cervix is closed, radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen will often identify the enlarged uterus. If the cervix is open, there will often be such minimal uterine enlargement that the radiograph will be inconclusive. An ultrasound examination may be helpful in identifying an enlarged uterus and differentiating that from a normal pregnancy. Ultrasound changes that indicate pyometra include increased uterine size, thickened uterine walls, and fluid accumulation within the uterus.
How is pyometra treated?
The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the infected uterus and ovaries, or perform an ovariohysterectomy ("spay"). Dogs diagnosed in the early stage of the disease are very good surgical candidates. The surgery is somewhat more complicated than a routine spay at this stage. However, most dogs are diagnosed with pyometra when they are quite ill resulting in a more complicated surgical procedure and a longer period of hospitalization. Intravenous fluids are required to stabilize the dog before and after surgery. Antibiotics are usually given for two weeks after surgery.
Pyometra is a secondary infection that occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the female's reproductive tract. During estrus ("heat"), white blood cells, which normally protect against infection, are inhibited from entering the ute...rus. This allows sperm to safely enter the female's reproductive tract without being damaged or destroyed by these immune system cells. Following estrus ("heat") in the dog, progesterone hormone levels remain elevated up to two months and cause thickening of the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy and fetal development. If pregnancy does not occur for several consecutive estrus cycles, the uterine lining continues to increase in thickness until cysts often form within the tissues (a condition called Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia). The thickened, cystic lining secretes fluids that create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in. Additionally, high progesterone levels inhibit the ability of the muscles in the wall of the uterus to contract and expel accumulated fluids or bacteria. The combination of these factors often leads to infection.
How do bacteria get into the uterus?
The cervix is the gateway to the uterus. It remains tightly closed except during estrus, when it relaxes to allow sperm to enter the uterus. If the cervix is open or relaxed, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus easily.
If the cervix is open or relaxed, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus easily. If the uterus is normal, the uterine environment is adverse to bacterial survival; however, when the uterine wall is thickened or cystic, perfect conditions exist for bacterial growth. In addition, when these abnormal conditions exist, the muscles of the uterus cannot contract properly either due to thickening of the uterine wall or the hormone progesterone. This means that bacteria that enter the uterus cannot be expelled.
What are the clinical signs of pyometra?
The clinical signs depend on whether or not the cervix remains open. If it is open, pus will drain from the uterus through the vagina to the outside. Pus or an abnormal discharge is often seen on the skin or hair under the tail or on bedding and furniture where the dog has recently laid. Fever, lethargy, anorexia, and depression may or may not be present.
If the cervix is closed, pus that forms is not able to drain to the outside. It collects in the uterus ultimately causing the abdomen to distend. The bacteria release toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream. Dogs with closed pyometra become severely ill very rapidly. They are anorectic, very listless and very depressed. Vomiting or diarrhea may also be present.
Toxins released by the bacteria affect the kidney's ability to retain fluid. Increased urine production occurs, and many dogs drink an excess of water to compensate. Increased water consumption may occur in both open- and closed-cervix pyometra.
How is pyometra diagnosed?
Dogs that are examined early in the course of the disease may have a slight vaginal discharge and show no other signs of illness. However, most dogs with pyometra are seen later in the illness. A very ill female dog with a history of recent "heat" that is drinking an increased amount of water should be suspected of having pyometra. This is especially true if there is a vaginal discharge or a painful, enlarged abdomen.
Dogs with pyometra usually have a severe elevation of the white blood cell count and often have an elevation of globulins (a type of protein often associated with the immune system) in the blood. The specific gravity (concentration) of the urine is generally low due to the toxic effects of the bacteria on the kidneys. However, these changes are non-specific and may be present in any dog with a major bacterial infection.
If the cervix is closed, radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen will often identify the enlarged uterus. If the cervix is open, there will often be such minimal uterine enlargement that the radiograph will be inconclusive. An ultrasound examination may be helpful in identifying an enlarged uterus and differentiating that from a normal pregnancy. Ultrasound changes that indicate pyometra include increased uterine size, thickened uterine walls, and fluid accumulation within the uterus.
How is pyometra treated?
The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the infected uterus and ovaries, or perform an ovariohysterectomy ("spay"). Dogs diagnosed in the early stage of the disease are very good surgical candidates. The surgery is somewhat more complicated than a routine spay at this stage. However, most dogs are diagnosed with pyometra when they are quite ill resulting in a more complicated surgical procedure and a longer period of hospitalization. Intravenous fluids are required to stabilize the dog before and after surgery. Antibiotics are usually given for two weeks after surgery.
PUPPY NOURISHMENT
PUPPY NOURISHMENT
The market is currently inundated with fashionable puppy vitamins.
While some of these vitamins will help your dog's growth, others are
completely unnecessary. When combined with a healthy diet -- and healthy owner skepticism -- puppy vitamins can be very helpful. The Facts Behind Vitamins Even if you provide your dog with a balanced diet, puppy vitamins can be a great addition... to any diet. This is because, while most dog food brands are formulated to give your dog the recommended daily amount of essential proteins, fiber, and other nutrients, all dogs are different.
The recommended daily amount of nutrients for one dog will vary drastically when it comes to another dog. This is why certain vitamins and supplements should be added to a dog's daily diet. Vitamins to Consider Almost all dogs can benefit from a great daily multivitamin. This vitamin should contain Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and B Vitamin Complex. Daily puppy vitamins can be easily added to your dog's routine. At the age of three, dogs can start to take glucosamine supplements. Dogs should also be given fish oil at age three, though this should not be refined fish oil. In addition to those vitamins that are good for your dog, there are some things that should be avoided as well. What to Avoid Vitamins and nutrients that should not be given to puppies include calcium (dogs do not need an extra dose of calcium
in most cases).
When choosing the right vitamins, make sure to look closely at the ingredient label. Some puppy vitamins include tar, lacquers, and lead -- none of these things should be given to your dog. By carefully reading each ingredient list, you can avoid these harmful additives. Only purchase vitamins that are derived from natural sources.
The market is currently inundated with fashionable puppy vitamins.
While some of these vitamins will help your dog's growth, others are
completely unnecessary. When combined with a healthy diet -- and healthy owner skepticism -- puppy vitamins can be very helpful. The Facts Behind Vitamins Even if you provide your dog with a balanced diet, puppy vitamins can be a great addition... to any diet. This is because, while most dog food brands are formulated to give your dog the recommended daily amount of essential proteins, fiber, and other nutrients, all dogs are different.
The recommended daily amount of nutrients for one dog will vary drastically when it comes to another dog. This is why certain vitamins and supplements should be added to a dog's daily diet. Vitamins to Consider Almost all dogs can benefit from a great daily multivitamin. This vitamin should contain Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and B Vitamin Complex. Daily puppy vitamins can be easily added to your dog's routine. At the age of three, dogs can start to take glucosamine supplements. Dogs should also be given fish oil at age three, though this should not be refined fish oil. In addition to those vitamins that are good for your dog, there are some things that should be avoided as well. What to Avoid Vitamins and nutrients that should not be given to puppies include calcium (dogs do not need an extra dose of calcium
in most cases).
When choosing the right vitamins, make sure to look closely at the ingredient label. Some puppy vitamins include tar, lacquers, and lead -- none of these things should be given to your dog. By carefully reading each ingredient list, you can avoid these harmful additives. Only purchase vitamins that are derived from natural sources.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
CANINES AND TOXINS
Where are the Toxins? How do They Get into Our Dogs?
If you take a look at your environment, it is not difficult to identify
toxins.
For example:
chemicals in many household cleaners, pesticides, flea products; etc.;
secondhand cigarette smoke;
mold and mildew;
polluted air;
motor oil....
The list goes on. These toxins can get into our dogs through inhalation, absorption through their skin, or accidental ingestion.
Moreover, unknowingly, we may even be feeding our dogs toxins in the form of: chemicals in preservatives, artificial flavors and colors that so often are contained in some commercial food and treats;
OTC or prescription drugs including vaccines.
Effects of Toxins on Our Dogs' Bodies
-For dogs who are young and healthy, the body's complex and sophisticated detoxification system can eliminate toxins and wastes efficiently through its waste removal organs (e.g. the kidneys, liver, skin, as well as the lymphatic and immune systems).
However, if a dog has weakened or compromised waste removal systems due to, say, an injury, disease, or simply old age, or if there are just too many toxins to be removed, the body may have to use other ways to get rid of the waste and toxins.
For example, if the body tries to eliminate the excess toxins through the skin, this may result in various skin conditions such as dry skin, dandruff, itch, etc. If the body tries to eliminate the toxins through mucous membranes, the dog may have teary eyes, runny nose, or mucus discharge at the rectum or urethra.
When even the above elimination efforts fail and the body is overwhelmed with too many toxins, it has no other choice but to store the waste and toxins until "later" when there is less burden on the systems. However, it is possible that "later" never comes, and toxins remain in the body indefinitely. These harmful substances eventually can cause numerous serious health problems, such as arthritis, chronic allergy and inflammation, yeast infections, to even cancer.
Fortunately, we can help our dog build up stronger body systems so that they are able to remove most toxins, thus allowing the dog to stay healthier longer.
Dog Detox - Eliminating Toxins Using Herbs
-There are a good number of herbs that we can use to help our dog detox. In particular, herbs that support and strengthen toxin-removal organs (the liver, kidneys, lymphatic and immune systems) are beneficial.
Herbs that strengthen the liver include burdock root, dandelion root, milk thistle, licorice,Oregon grape,and yellow dock. They not only strengthen the liver but may also help improve digestion. As well, these herbs act as "blood-cleansers" - they improve the body's abilities to remove toxins from the blood.
Herbs that support kidney functions include marshmallow, corn silk, and cranberry. The diuretic as well as antibacterial properties of these herbs greatly help the kidneys to remove toxins from the body.
Herbs beneficial to the lymphatic system include red clover and cleavers. They help support the lymphatic system clear toxins from the tissues. Toxins also accumulate in intestines; to help with the removal of intestinal mucus and the toxins it collects, ground flax seed is effective. Immune-support herbs such as garlic, echinacea, or astragalus are also essential as one component of the dog detox herbal remedy.
Supplements for Dog Detox
-Supplements are also essential to detoxify the dog's body. You may have heard about all the good things that "greens" do to our bodies. In fact, greens are good for our dogs as well!
If you feed your dog a commercial diet, chances are it does not contain enough "greens", such as kelp, spirulina, and other veggies such as kale and spinach.
Chlorophyll that makes the "greens" green is a natural cleanser. Research has shown that chlorophyll helps reverse a wide array of health disorders affecting many organs, such as the skin, intestines, and liver. That's why adding a "green supplement" to your dog's diet is essential for detoxification.
Other Ways to Help Detoxify Your Dog
-Besides using herbs and supplements for dog detox, we should also provide our dogs with good food, fresh water, and the opportunity to exercise daily. Feed Our Dog Natural, Quality Food and Treats.
Perhaps this is one of the most important yet simple things for us to do to help improve our dog's well-being.
If you are still giving your dog commercial pet food bought at supermarkets, you are in essence feeding your dog a dose of chemical additives, artificial colors and flavors with every bite. These chemicals are toxic indigestible ingredients that will pile up in your dog's body, causing loads of health problem down the road.
Switch to a natural, organic diet and give your dog only all natural dog treats. You will soon notice a big change in your dog's overall health if you do so. To help expedite elimination of waste, regular fasting may be necessary. To do that, it is advisable to work with a holistic vet - based on your dog's age and health conditions, the holistic vet will advise you on the most appropriate way (e.g. how long, how frequent) to fast your dog.
Provide Fresh Water...Besides good food, clean, fresh drinking water is also important for detoxification.
Some dogs do not drink enough water on their own. Therefore, if necessary, you need to encourage your dog to drink lots of clean, filtered water. If you go hiking, bring some drinking water for your dog.
Do not allow your dog to drink from puddles, streams or rivers as they may contain bacteria and/or parasites.
Regular Exercise
A daily workout has many benefits for your dog. Regular exercise promotes regular bowel movements so that wastes can be removed via the digestive tract in a timely manner. Exercise also stimulates blood circulation as well as the movement of lymph fluid, so that toxins can be carried to organs of detoxification (e.g. liver, kidneys) efficiently.
Dog Detox - Eliminating Toxins from the Outside
Besides getting rid of toxins from inside our dogs' bodies, we should also try to eliminate toxins in our environments as much as possible. Minimize Exposure to Pollutants and Chemicals
As mentioned above, your dog can get in contact with a lot of chemicals and pollutants even in his living environment. For example, lawn chemicals, household cleaners, secondhand cigarette smoke, and so on.
It is necessary, therefore, that we take a hard look at our environment and remove, whenever possible, things that present the potential of causing toxic excess in the body. Use natural products as much as possible.
Use Natural Pet Products
We should also try to use natural pet products whenever possible. Conventional tick and flea control products contain tons of toxic compounds, so do many conventional medications, including vaccines. Of course, it doesn't mean that we reject the use of conventional meds. However, as dog parents, we need to better educate ourselves so that we know when to say "no" to unnecessary drugs or prolonged use of certain strong medications
(e.g. steroids). If there is a safer and milder natural alternative treatment, ask your vet about it.
Dog Detox - Caution
As your dog's body is going through the process of detoxification, you may notice some physical changes in your dog, for example, he may develop symptoms like a runny nose or changes in bowel function or appetite. Such symptoms are "healthy signs" and are temporary. They should subside in a few days. If you administer some remedies to help your dog detox, observe him closely. Stop any remedy if you notice any symptoms that concern you, and consult with a holistic veterinarian for appropriate guidance.
If you take a look at your environment, it is not difficult to identify
toxins.
For example:
chemicals in many household cleaners, pesticides, flea products; etc.;
secondhand cigarette smoke;
mold and mildew;
polluted air;
motor oil....
The list goes on. These toxins can get into our dogs through inhalation, absorption through their skin, or accidental ingestion.
Moreover, unknowingly, we may even be feeding our dogs toxins in the form of: chemicals in preservatives, artificial flavors and colors that so often are contained in some commercial food and treats;
OTC or prescription drugs including vaccines.
Effects of Toxins on Our Dogs' Bodies
-For dogs who are young and healthy, the body's complex and sophisticated detoxification system can eliminate toxins and wastes efficiently through its waste removal organs (e.g. the kidneys, liver, skin, as well as the lymphatic and immune systems).
However, if a dog has weakened or compromised waste removal systems due to, say, an injury, disease, or simply old age, or if there are just too many toxins to be removed, the body may have to use other ways to get rid of the waste and toxins.
For example, if the body tries to eliminate the excess toxins through the skin, this may result in various skin conditions such as dry skin, dandruff, itch, etc. If the body tries to eliminate the toxins through mucous membranes, the dog may have teary eyes, runny nose, or mucus discharge at the rectum or urethra.
When even the above elimination efforts fail and the body is overwhelmed with too many toxins, it has no other choice but to store the waste and toxins until "later" when there is less burden on the systems. However, it is possible that "later" never comes, and toxins remain in the body indefinitely. These harmful substances eventually can cause numerous serious health problems, such as arthritis, chronic allergy and inflammation, yeast infections, to even cancer.
Fortunately, we can help our dog build up stronger body systems so that they are able to remove most toxins, thus allowing the dog to stay healthier longer.
Dog Detox - Eliminating Toxins Using Herbs
-There are a good number of herbs that we can use to help our dog detox. In particular, herbs that support and strengthen toxin-removal organs (the liver, kidneys, lymphatic and immune systems) are beneficial.
Herbs that strengthen the liver include burdock root, dandelion root, milk thistle, licorice,Oregon grape,and yellow dock. They not only strengthen the liver but may also help improve digestion. As well, these herbs act as "blood-cleansers" - they improve the body's abilities to remove toxins from the blood.
Herbs that support kidney functions include marshmallow, corn silk, and cranberry. The diuretic as well as antibacterial properties of these herbs greatly help the kidneys to remove toxins from the body.
Herbs beneficial to the lymphatic system include red clover and cleavers. They help support the lymphatic system clear toxins from the tissues. Toxins also accumulate in intestines; to help with the removal of intestinal mucus and the toxins it collects, ground flax seed is effective. Immune-support herbs such as garlic, echinacea, or astragalus are also essential as one component of the dog detox herbal remedy.
Supplements for Dog Detox
-Supplements are also essential to detoxify the dog's body. You may have heard about all the good things that "greens" do to our bodies. In fact, greens are good for our dogs as well!
If you feed your dog a commercial diet, chances are it does not contain enough "greens", such as kelp, spirulina, and other veggies such as kale and spinach.
Chlorophyll that makes the "greens" green is a natural cleanser. Research has shown that chlorophyll helps reverse a wide array of health disorders affecting many organs, such as the skin, intestines, and liver. That's why adding a "green supplement" to your dog's diet is essential for detoxification.
Other Ways to Help Detoxify Your Dog
-Besides using herbs and supplements for dog detox, we should also provide our dogs with good food, fresh water, and the opportunity to exercise daily. Feed Our Dog Natural, Quality Food and Treats.
Perhaps this is one of the most important yet simple things for us to do to help improve our dog's well-being.
If you are still giving your dog commercial pet food bought at supermarkets, you are in essence feeding your dog a dose of chemical additives, artificial colors and flavors with every bite. These chemicals are toxic indigestible ingredients that will pile up in your dog's body, causing loads of health problem down the road.
Switch to a natural, organic diet and give your dog only all natural dog treats. You will soon notice a big change in your dog's overall health if you do so. To help expedite elimination of waste, regular fasting may be necessary. To do that, it is advisable to work with a holistic vet - based on your dog's age and health conditions, the holistic vet will advise you on the most appropriate way (e.g. how long, how frequent) to fast your dog.
Provide Fresh Water...Besides good food, clean, fresh drinking water is also important for detoxification.
Some dogs do not drink enough water on their own. Therefore, if necessary, you need to encourage your dog to drink lots of clean, filtered water. If you go hiking, bring some drinking water for your dog.
Do not allow your dog to drink from puddles, streams or rivers as they may contain bacteria and/or parasites.
Regular Exercise
A daily workout has many benefits for your dog. Regular exercise promotes regular bowel movements so that wastes can be removed via the digestive tract in a timely manner. Exercise also stimulates blood circulation as well as the movement of lymph fluid, so that toxins can be carried to organs of detoxification (e.g. liver, kidneys) efficiently.
Dog Detox - Eliminating Toxins from the Outside
Besides getting rid of toxins from inside our dogs' bodies, we should also try to eliminate toxins in our environments as much as possible. Minimize Exposure to Pollutants and Chemicals
As mentioned above, your dog can get in contact with a lot of chemicals and pollutants even in his living environment. For example, lawn chemicals, household cleaners, secondhand cigarette smoke, and so on.
It is necessary, therefore, that we take a hard look at our environment and remove, whenever possible, things that present the potential of causing toxic excess in the body. Use natural products as much as possible.
Use Natural Pet Products
We should also try to use natural pet products whenever possible. Conventional tick and flea control products contain tons of toxic compounds, so do many conventional medications, including vaccines. Of course, it doesn't mean that we reject the use of conventional meds. However, as dog parents, we need to better educate ourselves so that we know when to say "no" to unnecessary drugs or prolonged use of certain strong medications
(e.g. steroids). If there is a safer and milder natural alternative treatment, ask your vet about it.
Dog Detox - Caution
As your dog's body is going through the process of detoxification, you may notice some physical changes in your dog, for example, he may develop symptoms like a runny nose or changes in bowel function or appetite. Such symptoms are "healthy signs" and are temporary. They should subside in a few days. If you administer some remedies to help your dog detox, observe him closely. Stop any remedy if you notice any symptoms that concern you, and consult with a holistic veterinarian for appropriate guidance.
IMPROVING CANINE IMMUNE FUNCTION
Improving Canine Immune Function
A dog needs an immune system that is healthy and properly functioning. Your dog's immune system protects him from illness, fighting off bacteria, killing viruses, and eliminating toxins from his body. Lowered immune function can lead to frequent fungal, bacterial and viral infections, and have serious long-term consequences for your dog's health. Here are some wa...ys you can boost your dog's immune system.
The Importance of the Immune System
Your dog's immune system is his line of defense against illness. While medications can provide treatment for dog infection, a strong immune system ensures that your dog won't get sick in the first place. When healthy and functioning properly, your dog's immune system fights of bacterial, fungal and viral infections, cleanses toxins from his body, and protects against parasites.
When immune function is lowered or compromised, your dog is vulnerable to infection by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. He's more vulnerable to yeast infections, demodectic mange, eczema, allergies, arthritis, ear infections, reproductive disorders and degenerative disorders.
Causes of Lowered Immune Function
There are many things that can lower your dog's immune function. Chronic stress, such as that experience by abused animals or dogs who have been otherwise traumatized, can compromise immune function. Auto-immune disorders can also lower immune function.
Two of the most common causes of decreased immunity in dogs are poor diet and lack of exercise. Scientists have recently concluded that poor diet in one dog can even lead to decreased immunity in that dog's descendants, even if they are not themselves nutritionally deficient. Insufficient exercise can also lead to decreased immunity, as exercise stimulates your dog's lymph glands, which are vital to immunity.
Boosting Dog Immune Function
The most important thing you can do to boost your dog's immune function is to feed him an adequate diet. Choose a quality dog food; prepared foods contain all the nutrients your dog needs. If you're feeding your dog food you prepare yourself at home, do your research to make sure it contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs for adequate nutrition.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Walk him daily and play with his regularly; let him do the things he enjoys. Remember that contact with you relaxes your dog, diminishing the harmful effects that stress can have on his immune system. Try to minimize any stress triggers in your dog's life, and soothe him in stressful situations.
You can add a dog food supplement to your dog's diet to increase immunity and help him fight off illness. Some good supplements include:
Neem oil, which boosts the production of T cells, a vital part of your dog's immune system.
Vitamin C is antiviral and antibiotic.
Omega fatty acids make your dog's digestion more efficient and can increase his energy levels. They are good for his hair, skin, eyes, and internal organs. Good sources of omega fatty acids include evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil and fish oil.
Zinc supplements boost the immune system by increasing white cell production and promoting the fast healing of wounds.
it is critically important to provide a high quality daily supplement for your dog that will maintain their immune function. Their are many canine daily supplements on the market but few provide the "total package" for immune function nutrition. Research each available brand to find the one best suited for your dog's need.
A dog needs an immune system that is healthy and properly functioning. Your dog's immune system protects him from illness, fighting off bacteria, killing viruses, and eliminating toxins from his body. Lowered immune function can lead to frequent fungal, bacterial and viral infections, and have serious long-term consequences for your dog's health. Here are some wa...ys you can boost your dog's immune system.
The Importance of the Immune System
Your dog's immune system is his line of defense against illness. While medications can provide treatment for dog infection, a strong immune system ensures that your dog won't get sick in the first place. When healthy and functioning properly, your dog's immune system fights of bacterial, fungal and viral infections, cleanses toxins from his body, and protects against parasites.
When immune function is lowered or compromised, your dog is vulnerable to infection by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. He's more vulnerable to yeast infections, demodectic mange, eczema, allergies, arthritis, ear infections, reproductive disorders and degenerative disorders.
Causes of Lowered Immune Function
There are many things that can lower your dog's immune function. Chronic stress, such as that experience by abused animals or dogs who have been otherwise traumatized, can compromise immune function. Auto-immune disorders can also lower immune function.
Two of the most common causes of decreased immunity in dogs are poor diet and lack of exercise. Scientists have recently concluded that poor diet in one dog can even lead to decreased immunity in that dog's descendants, even if they are not themselves nutritionally deficient. Insufficient exercise can also lead to decreased immunity, as exercise stimulates your dog's lymph glands, which are vital to immunity.
Boosting Dog Immune Function
The most important thing you can do to boost your dog's immune function is to feed him an adequate diet. Choose a quality dog food; prepared foods contain all the nutrients your dog needs. If you're feeding your dog food you prepare yourself at home, do your research to make sure it contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs for adequate nutrition.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Walk him daily and play with his regularly; let him do the things he enjoys. Remember that contact with you relaxes your dog, diminishing the harmful effects that stress can have on his immune system. Try to minimize any stress triggers in your dog's life, and soothe him in stressful situations.
You can add a dog food supplement to your dog's diet to increase immunity and help him fight off illness. Some good supplements include:
Neem oil, which boosts the production of T cells, a vital part of your dog's immune system.
Vitamin C is antiviral and antibiotic.
Omega fatty acids make your dog's digestion more efficient and can increase his energy levels. They are good for his hair, skin, eyes, and internal organs. Good sources of omega fatty acids include evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil and fish oil.
Zinc supplements boost the immune system by increasing white cell production and promoting the fast healing of wounds.
it is critically important to provide a high quality daily supplement for your dog that will maintain their immune function. Their are many canine daily supplements on the market but few provide the "total package" for immune function nutrition. Research each available brand to find the one best suited for your dog's need.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)